Although you both work, or in Peter’s case, worked, on atypical shows, did you initially go through the typical motions of a new TV writer, perfecting and shopping specs, and having writer’s assistant-y jobs? If so, what were those specs and who, if anyone, helped you to find those positions?
Lutz: I was very lucky. I got hired to work for SNL because some of the SNL producers came to Chicago and saw me perform in an improv show at Improv Olympic. After they saw the show, they asked if I had a writing packet. I threw together some scenes I had written for Second City, and mailed the packet to them. Two weeks later, I was in New York writing for the show.
Grosz: I can’t give good advice here, either. I got a job on a pilot for Comedy Central in 2005 because the show’s creator was a Daily Show writer and he read my submission to The Daily Show. I got an agent from that pilot (which never aired), then got another job through that agent, then got Colbert. But I submitted to The Daily Show through a friend’s brother. So it’s not typical at all. I would advise people to take any and all avenues to try and reach success. John won’t admit this, but he loves it when people send him sketches they wrote in high school or at church camp. I recommend it.
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